There are vacations you remember—and then there are journeys that transform you. Aboard Valentina, those transformations begin where the land ends and the wildest parts of the ocean begin. Whether you’re tracing the sun-drenched coastline of the Sea of Cortez or venturing deep into the Pacific to the isolated Socorro Islands, Valentina isn’t just a dive vessel. She’s your sanctuary at sea, a gateway to some of the planet’s most thrilling underwater encounters—and a front row seat to nature in its most powerful form.
At 38 meters, Valentina is sleek, spacious, and perfectly outfitted for multi-day ocean expeditions. After a full refit in 2013, she now combines the performance of a seasoned dive safari vessel with the comforts of a boutique hotel. With just 10 cabins accommodating a maximum of 20 guests, your experience remains intimate and unhurried. Each cabin is air-conditioned and features a private bathroom and shower, so you always have a quiet space to retreat and refresh. Choose from Deluxe Twin cabins with wide bunk beds, Deluxe Double Plus cabins with separate double and single beds, or the Valentina Double, ideal for couples seeking privacy and comfort. The main salon, located on the central deck, is where divers come together—sharing footage, swapping stories, or simply relaxing on plush seating. The dining area is fully air-conditioned and a destination in itself. From hearty post-dive breakfasts to flavorful Mexican BBQ nights under the stars, Valentina’s cuisine spans the globe, with a focus on freshness and soul-satisfying flavor.
Two Oceans. One Epic Liveaboard. Valentina offers two distinct expeditions, each with its own rhythm and magic. From August to November, Valentina cruises the Sea of Cortez, often referred to as “The Aquarium of the World.” Here, divers drift through warm, turquoise waters teeming with vibrant reef fish, massive schools of mobula rays, and curious sea lions that twirl and tumble alongside you like underwater acrobats. Whale sharks—the gentle giants of the sea—glide silently through sunbeams, while orcas and humpbacks make surprise surface appearances for those watching from the deck. Then, from November through May, the adventure shifts to the remote and revered Socorro Islands—a volcanic archipelago 250 miles off the coast of Mexico. What waits here is nothing short of legendary: playful dolphins, enormous mantas that look you in the eye, swarms of hammerhead sharks, and, if luck favors you, a passing whale shark or even a tiger shark appearing out of the blue.
Dive Sites That Redefine “Bucket List” Socorro is not for the faint of heart—it’s for those who want to feel alive. Roca Partida, a cathedral of stone rising out of the open ocean, is often described as one of the best dive sites on Earth. Descend along sheer walls that drop into the abyss, where silver-tip sharks swirl, schools of jackfish shimmer in the sunbeams, and pelagic life passes by in cinematic grandeur. It’s also one of the few places where divers might find themselves surrounded—literally—by hammerheads. The Boiler, just off San Benedicto Island, giant Pacific manta rays sweep past so close you can see the patterns on their bellies and feel the push of water from their wings. They circle and hover, drawn to divers as much as we are to them. Don’t be surprised if one makes eye contact and lingers. The Canyon, also near San Benedicto, is known for its currents—and what rides them. Hammerheads, black tips, and even tiger sharks appear regularly. Additionally, the manta rays come even bigger, often accompanied by a symphony of humpback whale song in the distance. At Cabo Pearce off Socorro Island, divers can expect thrilling interactions with bottlenose dolphins, Galapagos sharks, and schools of pelagic fish. On lucky days, humpback whales pass within visible distance, and if you’re really lucky, you’ll be in the water when they do.
Between dives, unwind with a book, catch a nap in the sun, or sip a cold drink from the open bar, which offers draft beer, soft drinks, and a selection of cocktails. Whether you’re social or seeking solitude, Valentina offers the space for both. From gear handling to dive briefings, safety checks to surface intervals, everything is handled with precision—and a smile. They know how to find the action, and they know how to help you feel at home, whether it’s your tenth dive trip or your first.
For EAN-certified divers, Valentina offers nitrox. The ship does not offer rebreather or technical diving gases.
Photos and narrative text courtesy of the Valentina liveaboard and Fun Baja.